Dear Editor:
I was astonished to learn that Tom Hart, the unpaid director of The Assisi Center the county animal shelter in Jersey City, was terminated from his position. For the past year, he has run the Center, which is not an animal shelter but a life center. As a regular volunteer there, along with my daughters, my heart sunk at hearing this horrible news.
Prior to Mr. Hart’s arrival, the shelter was a disgrace! It was filthy. The animals were neglected, both, physically and emotionally. Animals endured cruel practices at the hands of employees on a regular basis. Volunteers were impossible to find. Not a single person could bear to stay in such a horrific environment. It’s reputation as an animal shelter was poor at best. Very few people traveled there to adopt a needy animal. That was sad, considering that shelter pets are the best of all.
Once Mr. Hart took over as Director, everything about the shelter changed. The changes were positive changes. They were changes that should have been put into effect a long time ago. The shelter was remained as The Assisi Center. For once, the animals are cared for. Their cages are clean. The dogs are walked. Animals are treated with respect. Volunteers appear regularly. Most importantly, animals are being adopted! Is that not the main goal of such a center? That animals are adopted in to caring homes? Of course, there is still work to done and improvement to be made. Fortunately, Mr. Hart knows how to get the job done!
I can only imagine what the shelter will now become, with out Tom Hart as its Director. He is an amazing man. He has created a Center that is an example for all other Centers to follow. Mr. Hart tries his very best, considering that his resources are sometimes limited. In addition, The Assisi Center does not euthanize its animals Mr. Hart is a true believer that all animals are "adoptable"; every animal has a chance to find its way into a loving home. Regardless of others’ opinions on this point, Mr. Hart has dedicated himself to Center. He has managed it as best he can, with knowledge, compassion and determination.
Mr. Hart has made great progress over the past year. Unfortunately, the Board now wants to stop the Center’s progress. I do not understand why they would vote for a measure that terminates Mr. Hart from his position. Politics is not what is important here. The future of the animals at the Center should be the focal pint. How does the Board plan on making the Center better? Do the Board members plan on spending some of their free time at the Center? I doubt I’ll live to see that day! Who do they intend on hiring that could be more dedicated than Mr. Hart? I do not believe that such individual exists!
I only hope that Mr. Hart and the Board can come to some of compromise in which Mr. Hart can remain at the Center as its Director. The Mayor, along with all other local politicians, should examine this situation. When will the future of our country’s animals be a topic in city hall? The Board’s past track record on managing the Center is frightening! I have little faith that they will improve this time around. The lives of the animals presently at the Center will soon be in danger. I can only ask the Board to think long an hard about what they are doing. Don’t make the same mistakes twice. The Board is fortunate to have Mr. Hart. Think about the lives of the animals for once-not about yourselves!
Disappointed and disgusted…
Kelly Austin